Quote:
Originally Posted by CGY12
Bold point one, this has been my gripe with you about the Flames, it seems somewhat similar to what the Flames have been doing here in respect to do anything when they get to the playoffs. I think Columbus is going to soon realize that Gaudreau can't be the guy to win in the playoffs, however I agree with the previous poster that they do have some intriguing young prospects. I don't see them being a powerhouse though any time soon.
In regards to bolded point two, agree with you 1000%. He seems like the guy who knows he is very good at what he does, upper echelon of the league, but completely content with cashing his pay cheque and living a healthy lifestyle, without that true internal desire to win cups. Thats not a critique either, some personalties are just like that, he fits that bill.
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From the Jackets’ perspective, I suspect they view Gaudreau the way we view Huberdeau.
He legitimizes them. He’s the biggest free agent signing in team history. We think Canadian teams have a hard time getting players to stay, but they really don’t.
The noteworthy players Columbus has either lost for nothing or who’ve demanded trades is worse than ours.
Panarin, Bobrovsky, Duchene, Jones, Dubois, Nash, Carter, I’m sure I’m leaving some guys out.
That’s so tough.
They signed Gaudreau, and immediately signed Laine for another four years. Laine could well score 60 with Gaudreau setting him up, and Gaudreau honestly could win an MVP if that Jackets team makes the playoffs and he’s got another 100+ points with 70 assists.
It has given them a huge boost in season ticket sales.
And if they get into the playoffs, they might win a round or two. Maybe more, if the goaltending comes together and some other guys develop.
Making the playoffs, Winning even one round, does so much in a market to create long term fans, which is what a place like Columbus needs to do.
They can’t be stuck as a bottom-5 or bottom-10 team in perpetuity, or they’ll dry up and blow away, precisely because they’re not a Canadian team.